The horizontal axis - represents how long the learner communicate with others in English.

The vertical axis - represents the level of an ability.

The yellow area - represents the learner's current ability.

The red area - represents where the learner should focus.

It's
well known that there are different types of learners and everyone may
have a unique situation. Here I am trying to categorize the learners
based on their HWW abilities(How to say,When to say,What to say). For more information about the HWW, please read my last post "3 Directions To Figure Out How To Improve My Spoken English."

Following are some typical ESL learners,

Learner 0 ( A Very Beginner )

Figure 1 - In the first stage, it's suggested to focus on "How To Say" then "When To Say", and then "What To Say".

Figure 2 - In the second stage, it's suggested to focus on "What To Say" then "When To Say".

Figure 3 - In the third stage, it's suggested to focus on "What To Say" then "When To Say".

Figure 1 - In the first stage, it's suggested to focus on "What To Say" then "When To Say".

Figure 2 - In the second stage, it's suggested to focus on "What To Say" then "When To Say".

Learner 2 ( Sound Good, Sound Correct, Doesn't Sound Right Mostly )

Figure 1 - In the first stage, it's suggested to focus on "When To Say".

Figure 2 - In the second stage, it's suggested to focus on "What To Say" then "When To Say".

Learner 3 ( Sound Correct, Sound Right mostly, But Sound Bad )

Figure 1 - In the first stage, it's suggested to focus on "How To Say" then "When To Say".

Figure 2 - In the second stage, it's suggested to focus on "What To Say" then "When To Say".

I
believe that the ideal process to develop one's English proficiency
should be like the one of Learner 0. It should be more interesting and
better for one's self-confidence. But most ESL students in China are
similar to the Learner 3, knowing much of "What To Say", but having
little idea about "When To Say" and "How To Say." The situation is
really bad for the learners' self-confidence in speaking English. In
order to change that, the first goal should be getting to know "How To
Say", or "How To Sound Good."

I
hope the examples above can help you see the big picture and find out
where to focus. Can you see yourself in them? If you don't think any of
those cases can nicely describe your situation, feel free to let me
know. Good luck with your English learning journey! Have fun and learn!